NYT p.1: Politicians Face Censure from Bishops on Abortion Rts

[DeepModem Mom]

Politicians Face Censure From Bishops on Abortion Rights
By LAURIE GOODSTEIN

Published: June 19, 2004


The nation's Roman Catholic bishops approved a statement on Friday on "Catholics in Political Life" that brands politicians who support abortion rights as "cooperating in evil" and leaves the door open for bishops to deny communion to such lawmakers.

The bishops, meeting outside Denver, stopped short of saying that those lawmakers should be forbidden to take communion. But they reminded all Catholics that they were not worthy to receive communion until they had examined their consciences, including their "fidelity to the moral teaching of the church in personal and public life."

The bishops also asserted unequivocally that "the Catholic community and Catholic institutions" should not give "awards, honors or platforms" to Catholics who "act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles."...

***

The statement provides backing to bishops on both sides of what has become a very public debate set off by the candidacy of Mr. Kerry, who would be the first Catholic to obtain a major party nomination in 44 years. It lends support to both those who would sanction defiant politicians and those who draw the line at teaching and persuading. It says, "Bishops can legitimately make different judgments on the most prudent course of pastoral action."...


http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/19/national/19BISH.final.html